where you're coming from, defo. but to me, just pure sound sometimes is more meaningful than lyrical themes or insight or anything like that. and some of their lyrics, particularly ranaldo's, are brilliant anyway

but I dont think they are even that musically innovative either, they just made the sound of their scene more accessible, it pains me to say this it took me along time to come to terms with the fact I may not like sonic youth

enough. you made the effort anyway. it took me a while to really appreciate them. i think a lot of people maybe are put off at first and don't persevere, i'm glad i did though. but anyway, this band, to me personally, personify everything that is great and vital and majestic about music, i can't praise them enough..whenever i get disillusioned about music i stick one of their records on and it's all good. anyone who does that for you? genuine question

they are the greatest band of all time. Their massive back catalogue (inc. side/solo projects, SYR, rare sessions) means there will always be new stuff by them to discover (unless they do the unthinkable and break up).

Although at the moment they havnt had as much of a consistent weekly listen in the past few months as they have had in the past but they are one of those bands that can do that and fall in love with again.

Maybe as i get older this status will change but they will always be a very important group to me, i reckon.

although I haven't heard any of the later stuff outside of the snippets on the dvd. Have you seen the dvd?

I'm still not really feeling Sonic Youth and lord knows i've tried Jesus lord I have. They've done some good stuff but there is such a mountain of crap that sits alongside it that you could never call them the greatest band ever.

... Sonic Youth beyond words. Dipping into their back catalogue is always so satisfying. They are such a surprising, inventive band. As I think someone else mentioned, the sonic patterns and textures they can get out of their guitars are completely unique. See Daydream Nation for the ultimate evidence of this.

Am currently listening to the Goo 8 track demos. A lot rougher and more direct than the finished thing. Highly recommended.